Legislative Activity

The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act aims to improve national recycling and composting efforts by requiring the EPA to gather comprehensive data on current infrastructure capabilities and material flows. This legislation mandates detailed reports on composting facilities, materials recovery facilities (MRFs), and the development of standardized national recycling rates. Furthermore, it directs studies to measure how much recyclable material is lost from the circular market and ensures federal agencies report on their own waste diversion activities.

The Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act prohibits states from interfering with or retaliating against individuals who provide or receive abortion services that are legal in the state where the service occurs. This protection extends to interstate travel for legal abortion care and the movement of FDA-approved abortion-related drugs across state lines. Individuals harmed by violations can sue in federal court for damages and legal fees.

The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal statutory right to access abortion services, prohibiting medically unnecessary restrictions that impede care before fetal viability. This Act protects the right of patients to travel across state lines to receive reproductive healthcare and allows providers to offer services free from state interference that conflicts with established medical standards. It preempts conflicting state and local laws and provides robust enforcement mechanisms for individuals and the Attorney General to challenge violations.

The Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act amends SEC reporting requirements for certain investment companies. This change allows these companies to exclude the indirect fees and expenses incurred from investing in an Acquired Fund, provided that Acquired Fund is a business development company. This simplifies the calculation of total "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" disclosed on registration statements.

The Access to Birth Control Act establishes federal requirements for pharmacies to ensure timely and non-discriminatory access to FDA-approved contraception and related medications. Pharmacies must immediately dispense in-stock items or promptly refer customers or order out-of-stock products. This law prohibits employee interference, misinformation, or harassment, while also setting penalties for non-compliance.

This resolution directs the President, under the War Powers Resolution, to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving Iran. The order mandates withdrawal unless forces are necessary for imminent self-defense of the U.S. or its allies. Any continued defensive action must comply with existing War Powers reporting requirements.

The PHARA Act of 2025 mandates the immediate release of all existing National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant funding and prohibits the cancellation of active research agreements. Moving forward, all new NIH grant agreements must include specific termination clauses requiring a 90-day notice and good-faith negotiation before ending the funding. Furthermore, this Act explicitly prevents the NIH from terminating agreements solely because the research no longer aligns with current agency goals or priorities.

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 aims to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System. This legislation codifies existing federal regulations, known as the "Roadless Rule," which generally prohibits the construction of new roads or the cutting of timber in these sensitive zones. The purpose is to safeguard critical ecological benefits, clean water sources, and wildlife habitats while maintaining the Forest Service's multiple-use management mission.

The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025 reforms federal firearm background check procedures, establishing a formal petition process for buyers when the system delays a decision beyond 10 business days. This bill removes the previous 10-day time limit on background checks under the Brady Act while mandating extensive reporting from the GAO and FBI on the effectiveness and outcomes of these delayed transfers. Furthermore, the Attorney General must report on the law's impact on domestic violence victims within 150 days of enactment.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

The Pride In Mental Health Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth through culturally competent care and resource development. These grants strictly prohibit funding for conversion therapy practices. The bill also mandates federal data collection on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and requires a report on the needs of those in foster care.

This resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' grave concern over the severe humanitarian crisis and widespread suffering of civilians in Gaza, alongside the plight of hostages. It urgently calls on the Administration to use all diplomatic tools to secure the release of all hostages. Furthermore, the bill demands the immediate delivery and secure distribution of essential humanitarian aid to address the catastrophic hunger crisis in Gaza.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves key federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation shifts the authorization window for several demonstration projects to run from 2026 through 2030. It also specifically broadens the scope of reentry demonstration projects to explicitly fund substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery services and reentry housing. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal support for vital reentry, education, and substance abuse collaboration initiatives through the end of the decade.

The Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act of 2025 prohibits covered government officials and their immediate families from trading, owning, or profiting from digital assets while in office. This legislation specifically bans insider trading of crypto and prevents officials from using intermediaries or complex ownership structures to bypass these restrictions. The Act aims to eliminate conflicts of interest by ensuring high-ranking officials cannot benefit financially from involvement with cryptocurrencies.

The Nuclear First-Strike Security Act of 2025 places strict limitations on the use of federal funds to initiate a nuclear attack. Under this Act, a first-use nuclear strike requires a presidential determination that it is in the U.S. best interest, followed by a mandatory seven-day notification to top Congressional leaders. This notification requirement is waived only in cases of a formal declaration of war, a prior nuclear attack on the U.S. or an ally, or during a confirmed launch-on-warning scenario.

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a mandatory, public code of conduct and a formal complaint process for Supreme Court Justices, modeled after procedures for lower federal judges. The bill also institutes stricter disclosure requirements for gifts and financial ties, and mandates judicial disqualification in cases involving recent lobbying contact or significant financial relationships with involved parties. Furthermore, it creates new review panels for disqualification motions and requires parties and *amici* to disclose financial supporters connected to the case.

The Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025 modifies federal securities laws to update exemptions for 403(b) retirement plans. This legislation clarifies requirements under the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, and the Securities Exchange Act. The changes generally condition these exemptions on the employer taking on specific fiduciary responsibilities regarding the selection and approval of investment options offered to participants.

The Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act of 2025 significantly increases the penalty-free withdrawal limit from retirement accounts for first-time homebuyers. This legislation raises the maximum allowable distribution from $\$10,000$ to $\$50,000$. This change is designed to provide greater financial flexibility for individuals purchasing their first home, taking effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (NSF), recognizing its vital role in advancing U.S. science, engineering, and education since 1950. Congress acknowledges the NSF's foundational support for groundbreaking innovations, including the internet and advancements in medical technology. The bill reaffirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the NSF continues to lead in scientific discovery for decades to come.